Dear hard rocker, please put aside all conspiracy theories, election drama, hell, put even aside the forthcoming alien attack, because there is a bigger event in town that needs our full attention: Deep Purple just launched a new album, a 52-minute hard rock classic marvel made just for us, rock fans out there!
The album is called simply “=1”, a deep mathematical name full of philosophy, =1 being the 23rd album of the legendary British rock veterans. Preceded by “Turning to Crime” (2021), =1 features a new guitarist, Simon McBride, who replaced Steven Morse two years ago. The album is produced by Bob Ezrin, who has worked on every DP album since 2013, starting with “Now What?!”. You can see Bob in the middle here besides DP:
You know, dear melomaniac, this event must be celebrated, we are so lucky to have such an album launched in our lifetime during these strange and tensioned times. A new Deep Purple album must be received with honor and happiness, remembering all the previous 22 amazing albums that this band has produced over the years.
And, boy, what a band Deep Purple was back in the day, and, of course, what band it is still today. We must remember what pedigree this band has through its fabulous lineup of past members: Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Joe Lynn Turner, Joe Satriani or Steve Morse. Currently, Deep Purple’s lineup consists of: Ian Pace, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Don Airey and Simon McBride.
Please note that =1 comes with a wicked twist: it sounds more like the classical albums of Deep Purple, with a rhythm specific to that era, with Ian Gillan going back to its roots and singing like indeed the end of the world is coming. After listening to =1, Gillan became my music hero, as he is pushing 80, but still its voice hasn’t lost any of its power. He still rocks!
This album inspired me to go back to the first albums of Deep Purple and lose myself for hours and hours. When you hit play and listen to =1, endless historical energy will unfold in your listening room, and you will recognize all those iconic Deep Purple albums of the past. The disc is sung with the force of an athlete, with the curiosity of a teenager, but with the wisdom of old. These are quite unique circumstances that make a hell of an album.
Bravo Deep Purple for being so courageous launching such a high-quality classical rock album. You taught us a lesson today: going back to our past is the key that can stabilize our present.
